James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs wingman found himself out for six to eight weeks after suffering from a non- displaced fracture. The team announced that Riemsdyk had a metatarsal fracture and will undergo treatment and rehab.

Metatarsal bones are long bones that can be found between the tarsal and phalanges of the foot. This kind of fracture usually happens when one of these bones are broken or weakened because of thinning of bones. Consult a podiatrist for any signs of a metatarsal bone injury. Dr. Paul Klein is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

Causes of metatarsal fracture

  • Direct injury to the foot can cause metatarsal fracture
  • Abnormal weight transfer
  • Not enough rest
  • Overpronation
  • Repetitive activities such as swimming, jumping or running
  • Oversupination
  • Overuse
  • Twisting of the foot can also cause a metatarsal fracture

Symptoms of metatarsal fracture

Usually, pain in the foot during exercise disappears the moment the foot is rested. Overtime, rest is not enough to relieve the pain. Swelling and bruising soon appears. The following list is the common symptoms of metatarsal fracture:

  • Pain in the mid/front of the foot
  • Pain worsens when walking or standing
  • Pain that develops gradually
  • The movement of your foot is limited
  • Difficulty putting weight on the injured foot
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Pain and tenderness
  • A snapping or cracking sound at the time of injury

How to treat metatarsal fracture

  • Physical therapy to exercise the injured metatarsal
  • Surgery to repair any part of the fractured bone
  • To limit and reduce swelling, elevation is advised
  • Apply ice immediately after the accident
  • Rest the injured foot
  • Immobilisation
  • Allow your foot to heal by removing all the stress from your foot
  • Using an over the counter drug is advised to relieve the pain

Treatment methods differ for each metatarsal fracture and recovery period ranges from 4 to 8 weeks depending on severity.

Prevention of metatarsal fracture

Foot injuries are very common especially in high-impact activities like sports but there is no shortage of preventing it.

  • Visit a podiatrist to check your injured foot
  • Limit activities to give your foot enough time to heal
  • Wear an appropriate footwear to protect and support the feet
  • Rest to allow your injured foot to recover
  • Slowly intensify the duration of the exercise

Metatarsal fractures must be recognized and treated immediately. Practice these preventive measures and stop stressing your injured foot.  At North Jersey Podiatrylocated in Wayne N.J., we specialize in helping people suffering from foot problems. To schedule an appointment call (973) 595-1555.